27th Apr, 2021 10:00

Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Untiring)

 
  Lot 11
 

11

[M] A DETAILED STATIC DISPLAY MODEL OF THE CLIPPER SHIP CORIOLANUS

A DETAILED STATIC DISPLAY MODEL OF THE CLIPPER SHIP CORIOLANUS [1876]

modelled by E.V. Fry, circa 1968, with the 21in. carved hull finished in red and black with gold lining, lined paper decks with detailed wood and metal fittings as appropriate, four fitted open boats, the aft pair flanking chicken coop, glazed saloon light with seats and steering gear with binnacle compass; painted stepped masts, with standing and running rigging, blocks and tackle, mounted on brass supports to display base; overall measurements -- 19 x 33½in. (48 x 85cm.)

Provenance: sold at Christie’s King Street 1968, unknown sale, to Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth until de-accessioned 2021.

Considered by some to be the most beautiful iron clipper ever turned out, Coriolanus was built by Archibald McMillan & Son at Dumbarton in 1876. Registered at 1,053 tons gross, she measured 217½ feet in length with a 35 foot beam, and made her name as a fast ship from the start of her career. In 1877 she made the run from the Scilly Isles to Calcutta in 69 days, a record subsequently equalled but never surpassed in the era of sail. Following only one voyage in the China tea trade during the 1878-79 season, she then began regular sailings to Australia and New Zealand which continued after she was sold by Patton’s her original owners, to Stewart’s in 1887. Resold to German owners in 1891 for £8,500, they soon parted with her and thereafter she changed hands and name numerous more times until eventually reverting to her christened name in 1927 when she was acquired by Portuguese owners who ran her from the Azores to New Bedford carrying immigrants. By then cut down to a barque but with a reputation as one of the few survivors of the formidable 1902 Algoa Bay hurricane, she was still making 16 knots on occasions and was only laid up due to shortage of work in the deepening depression. Several schemes to send her back to sea came to nothing and she was finally broken up on the Fall River in 1936.

Sold for £1,860
Estimated at £600 - £800

(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)


Condition Report

Good overall condition, some rigging restored, one or two loose lines; no case.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.

 

A DETAILED STATIC DISPLAY MODEL OF THE CLIPPER SHIP CORIOLANUS [1876]

modelled by E.V. Fry, circa 1968, with the 21in. carved hull finished in red and black with gold lining, lined paper decks with detailed wood and metal fittings as appropriate, four fitted open boats, the aft pair flanking chicken coop, glazed saloon light with seats and steering gear with binnacle compass; painted stepped masts, with standing and running rigging, blocks and tackle, mounted on brass supports to display base; overall measurements -- 19 x 33½in. (48 x 85cm.)

Provenance: sold at Christie’s King Street 1968, unknown sale, to Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth until de-accessioned 2021.

Considered by some to be the most beautiful iron clipper ever turned out, Coriolanus was built by Archibald McMillan & Son at Dumbarton in 1876. Registered at 1,053 tons gross, she measured 217½ feet in length with a 35 foot beam, and made her name as a fast ship from the start of her career. In 1877 she made the run from the Scilly Isles to Calcutta in 69 days, a record subsequently equalled but never surpassed in the era of sail. Following only one voyage in the China tea trade during the 1878-79 season, she then began regular sailings to Australia and New Zealand which continued after she was sold by Patton’s her original owners, to Stewart’s in 1887. Resold to German owners in 1891 for £8,500, they soon parted with her and thereafter she changed hands and name numerous more times until eventually reverting to her christened name in 1927 when she was acquired by Portuguese owners who ran her from the Azores to New Bedford carrying immigrants. By then cut down to a barque but with a reputation as one of the few survivors of the formidable 1902 Algoa Bay hurricane, she was still making 16 knots on occasions and was only laid up due to shortage of work in the deepening depression. Several schemes to send her back to sea came to nothing and she was finally broken up on the Fall River in 1936.

Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Untiring), 27th Apr, 2021

Mercantile (Sail) 1-123

Mercantile (Steam) 124-166

Naval (Sail) 170-252

Naval (Steam) 255-339

Navigational & Scientific Instruments 340-395

 

SALEROOM ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Printed catalogues available at £20 (+P&P)

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Absentee Bidding Form 

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THIS SALE WILL BE CONDUCTED LIVE ONLINE ONLY

You will not be able to bid live in the room. Absentee bids may be left via the website or using a bid form or you can bid via one of three online platforms. Absentee bids on our site must be left by 9am on the morning of the sale. Unfortunately, we cannot offer telephone bidding for this sale

  • UKAuctioneers.com  this service offers a choice of either paying a one-off £3.95 flat fee for the sale and no further charges, or 3% of the hammer price. Charles Miller Ltd will refund successful buyers who bid via the £3.95 flat fee
  • The-Saleroom.com – charges 5% of the hammer price
  • Invaluable.com – charges 3% of the hammer price

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